Effective solution to a clogged drain pipe basement
Ever since modern plumbing has existed, pipes and drains have gotten clogged, and it never ceases to frustrate homeowners faced with this issue. Because the basement drain is located at the lowermost point of the house, it goes directly into the sewer line, just like the house’s drainage pipe. This means that if you flush something down the toilet, sink or tub, which you really shouldn’t, it will affect the basement drain accordingly.
The most typical reasons for clogged drain pipe in the basement are:
- sediment or waste accumulation;
- damaged or broken pipes;
- excessive rust formation;
- improper pipes installation;
- flushing prohibited items;
- not using protective grates.
Whatever the cause, it is a headache that can result in more severe concerns if left untreated. If your basement drain pipe is clogged, water and even sewage can get into your basement and ruin anything you store there. Sewage is a health threat to anyone in the house, and the cleaning process can be lengthy and expensive.
Superior Plumbing & Heating has been cleaning basement clogs for decades. Whether it’s a minor clog or a serious blockage deep in the pipe that you face, or maybe your basement pipes have rusted over time and need cleaning, we know what to do!
Improper inspection of clogged basement drains can lead to additional complications and potential damage to your drain lines. Trust the diagnosis to our professionals, who will use a high-tech camera snake to conduct a visual inspection of your basement drains. They will then be able to clear the clogs or make necessary basement drain repair.
At the first sign of trouble with your basement drain pipes, call our plumbing specialists. We use the latest equipment and technology to clear all types of clogs and get your basement drain flowing again in no time at all!
Deep clogged drain pipe – trust the experts to do it
A clogged drain is one of those inevitable upsets you’ll experience if you live in the same house or apartment long enough. Normally, drain clogs can be cleared by simply physically reaching down the pipe and extracting the clog – or by applying some sort of liquid drain cleaner. Some clogs, however, are deep and simply not accessible.
In this case, there is no shame in seeking professional help, but know that you can also try to fix the situation yourself by trying these remedies:
- Vinegar and baking soda. This solution works even if the clog is deep inside. First, loosen the clog by pouring as much boiling water as possible into the drain. Then you need to pour a cup of baking soda into the drain pipe. After that, add about a cup of white vinegar – this will trigger a chemical reaction. Wait for about an hour, then pour boiling water back into the drain to clear any residual clogs.
- Use a wire clothes hanger or a plumbing snake. Open the wire hanger and pull it out as straight as possible. Then use needle-nose pliers to make a hook at the end. Push the hanger in as deep as you can or until you get to the clog. Once you reach the clog, turn the hanger left and right to break the clog apart. Use the hook to grab the debris and pull it out as much as you can.
- Apply a plunger. Pour hot water into the drain pipe before using the plunger to relieve the clog. This will also help prevent damage to the pipe.
- Mix hydrogen peroxide and water. Be careful not to use this method if you have already tested the baking soda and vinegar trick, and it did not help. Adding hydrogen peroxide over baking soda creates unpleasant fumes. It can also provoke damage to the pipes.
If nothing ever comes of it, just end the loss and contact a professional plumber. Overusing home remedies can make the situation worse. You may even damage your drain pipes, resulting in more costly repairs. Also, if you don’t have any plumbing expertise, don’t try to disassemble the plumbing in your home – get qualified assistance.
Should you struggle with a clogged drain deep in pipe, Superior Plumbing & Heating is just the place to go! We strive to keep our services up-to-date and apply only the most advanced techniques, including hydro-jetting, camera inspection and many others. Regardless of the depth, any clog will be removed efficiently and quickly. Make an appointment and get the job done today!
Can rust clog drain pipe?
Basement floor drain play an essential role in your home’s plumbing system. They are very susceptible to clogging since most of the waste and water from your house drains down by gravity.
We are all guilty of throwing food rests or hair into the drain instead of the garbage bin. This debris, combined with the simple movement of water down a drain, can cause rust to form and block the drain pipes. Rather than deal with the nasty consequences, implement some minor changes to your lifestyle, as this can help a lot more in eliminating rust in your plumbing system:
- Remember that only waste and toilet paper can go down the drain; many people flush wipes, feminine hygiene products, and cleaning rags down the pipes that are not meant to be flushed down; this can lead to water buildup in the drain, which can provoke rusting;
- We often throw food down the sink, which means grease and food particles end up in the drain; over time, this can lead to basement drain backup. In fact, only hot and soapy water can be flushed down the drain – this will prevent the formation of rust as the water will not accumulate anywhere in the pipes;
- You can install a filter around the shower drain; it will trap the most common type of clog – soap, hair and other particles that run down; this will prevent the formation of rust and clogging;
- Periodic cleaning can reduce the buildup of rust, which you can simply flush or pour hot water over.
If you have already faced a floor drain clogged with rust, check the following tips:
- Snake Drain Auger. You will need to place the snake drain auger inside the drain and rotate it as you move inside. If you feel resistance, that means you have reached the problem area in the drain pipe. You can then pick up the clog and slowly break it up by safely turning the handle and pulling the auger out.
- Plunger. Make sure no air can escape, and then press the plunger five or six times to drain the water.
- Drain cleaning liquid. Boiling water, baking soda with vinegar, lemon juice and salt are of no big use when it comes to rust. Use a regular chemical to clean a clogged drain, such as a calcium lime rust remover. Choose between calcium rust remover and other liquids with alkali or sulfuric acid. Please remember to look at the warning labels and use them carefully to avoid damaging the piping.
If you have trouble cleaning the rusted floor drain pipes yourself, it is highly advisable to call in a professional service to do the work. The staff at Superior Plumbing & Heating has years of expertise in rusty pipe cleaning and replacement. We will be happy to guide you through the proper precautions and ensure the safety of your cleaned or new piping. If you would like to consult with a professional plumber about your rusty pipe repair options, contact us anytime!
Basement Floor Drain Clogged? Trust the Pros to Get the Job Done
Typically in many homes, all drain pipes lead to a drain on the basement floor. It is the final destination of all the pipes in your house. So it’s not surprising that it gets clogged over time, given what’s flowing through your pipes. Luckily, there are ways to prevent this. But at times when the clog has already occurred, there’s nothing you can do but try to fix it.
- Wear the right equipment. Drain cleaning is a dirty and messy undertaking. That means you have to wear proper clothes. Also, be sure to bring a pair of gloves to protect your hands, as you may have to scoop up some nasty stuff. Wearing boots is a must, too. Prepare a bucket where you will pour all the water you can scoop out.
- Locate the access point. Basement drains are large but have an access point in the drain line. Finding this manhole makes it much easier to get through the drain with a plumbing pipe. In addition, the access hatch allows you to deal with a clog without having to find a sharp bend between the drain and the pipe.
- Apply a rod or a plumbing snake. You do this by pushing the rod into the drain and letting the water drain out. Try to force it a little deeper each time as you continue to push through the drain.
- Go through this process again. After removing enough clog, try running water to see if the problem remains. If so, repeat the above process until you get rid of the cause of the clog.
If you feel like you’ve done everything you can but still can’t solve the issue of a clogged basement floor drain – call a professional plumber.
At Superior Plumbing & Heating, we keep our promises by bringing our professional, insured, licensed and certified technicians to you. They have the expertise, training and tools to fix the most on-site issues – fast and right, so you can trust us to do your basement floor drain cleaning work professionally!
Clogged drains in an old house? We will take it!
If you have an older house and your drains work properly, you are very lucky. Plumbing is a weak point in old buildings, especially when it comes to basements. Older homes were not always built with high-quality drainage systems. They used what was available at the time, so now they need basement floor drain clogged to be taken care of.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To prevent your old home”s drainage system from severe clogging, try the following:
- install a drain screen over the shower drain;
- throw leftovers in the trash before you wash the dishes;
- pour hot water into the drain on a regular basis;
- have a technician come in for a routine inspection of your old home’s plumbing.
If your old home’s basement drain is clogged, you need to act quickly to prevent your property from serious hazards.
While using a plumbing snake is generally the most basic way to handle this issue (Superior Plumbing & Heating is available to provide this service), there are several other methods you can try:
- Clean the basement trap. To do this, find the check valve in the basement, remove its cover, then take a chisel and run it over the notches in the retaining ring. Loosen the ring and ball of the check valve, and then use a vacuum cleaner to shake out all the nasty sludge in the trap, which is probably part of the problem. After cleaning the siphon, remove the check valve cleaning plug and attach a sturdy wire or cable to an electric drill so you can screw it into the hole in the pipe. This should clear the clog and get the water flowing again.
- Try using baking soda and vinegar. This method is quite effective but at the same time gentle for old worn-out pipes. Be careful not to use pure vinegar; mix it with hot water 1:1.
- Avoid chemicals. They flush toxic substances down the drain, plus chemicals can corrode old plumbing systems, which you certainly don’t want. If using chemicals is necessary, leave it to a professional.
If you have your old house basement drain clogged that you can’t seem to handle, don’t hesitate to contact Superior Plumbing & Heating. We will have your unclog basement drain and functioning properly in no time, no matter how old!
Drain cleaning – get everything out of technology!
A basement drain is one of those things you don’t give much thought to until it stops running. When an inch of muddy water suddenly appears on your basement floor, it’s not a perfect time to notice that the drain needs to be cleaned. Basement drains should be inspected and cleared at least once every 3 months to make sure they work flawlessly.
Have you tried all possible ways to fix a clogged basement drain with no fruitful results? You can always count on professionals to do the job for you. Contact Superior Plumbing & Heating if you are looking for an effective drain cleaning services. We apply the most advanced techniques:
- Snaking;
- Hydro-jetting;
- Using chemical liquids;
- Rodding.
Regular maintenance by our professionals can save you serious money in the long run by preventing costly pipe repairs or replacements.
Our certified, skilled plumbers are always standing by to provide prompt and secure services. We guarantee to fix any issues with your drains with our expertise. What’s more, by addressing the root cause of the problem, we suggest the best solutions for fixing any potential future clogs!
